Sunday, October 06, 2013

Besler and Zusi called up by the USA

The USA named a 20 man roster ahead of their final World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica and Panama. There are probably another couple players to get to 24, but those players are likely remaining with their club team and could be called up after the Jamaica game.

Sporting KC players Matt Besler and Graham Zusi were, as expected, both called up for the games. Besler and Zusi will get the chance to represent their country in front of their home fans, with Friday's game against Jamaica being hosted at Sporting Park.

The two though will miss Wednesday's league game for Kansas City down in Houston against the Dynamo. That's certainly a blow for KC, but Ike Opara and Benny Feilhaber are certainly strong candidates to fill in well for the two, as they have multiple times already this season when Besler and Zusi have been called up.

The games in Kansas City and Panama will close out World Cup qualifying, which the US has already clinched a spot in. Jamaica is still technically alive but will take a miracle at this point to qualify. Panama could qualify, but need to probably win both of their games as they sit tied with Mexico on 8 points for 4th in the 6 team group.